Toon Talk: Monsters, Inc. - Nov 5, 2001

Toon Talk: Monsters, Inc.
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John Goodman as Sulley
(c) Disney/Pixar

Both Toy Stories and A Bug's Life had a rich tapestry of characters, from the leads to the "bit parts". But outside of it's three main characters, Monsters fumbles in it's supporting cast.  Mike's snake-haired girlfriend Celia (Jennifer Tilly) and the slug-like dispatcher Roz (Bob Peterson) are stock office-sitcom characters ... a less funny Mary Richards and Louie DePalma, in other words. The so-called villains of the piece fair even less: Buscemi's Boggs and James Coburn's crablike Henry J. Waternoose aren't developed much past the snarling brown-noser and the cynical bureaucrat, respectively.  And whereas even the various background toys and bugs in the previous films had jolts of creativity, the monster "extras" look like Gumby dolls left out in the sun to long, with about as much personality.

What saves the film is the core relationship of Mike and Sulley. As performed vocally by Crystal and Goodman, they wade through the sometimes overdone series of plot twists and undercooked subplots to emerge as a dynamic duo, one that joins the ranks of such classic Disney odd couples as Buzz and Woody and Timon and Pumbaa.

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Billy Crystal as Mike
(c) Disney/Pixar

Goodman's Sulley brings extra depth to the film in his growing affection for the little Boo, an impressive character arc for a big blue monster. Their relationship is poignant and sweetly funny (Boo calls him "Kitty"), providing the film with it's best moments.

Also showing with Monsters, Inc. is the hysterical Pixar short For the Birds, a tale of what may befall those who ridicule the differences of another. Superb textural animation and giggle-inducing sound effects are the highlights. To say anything more would ruin the laughs. In other words, make sure you get to the theater on time!

Toon Talk Grade: B+
Running Time: 86 minutes
MPAA Rating: G
Click for Showtimes

•  •  •

Toon Talk Trivia:

  • John Goodman, the voice of Sulley, can also be heard as Pacha in The Emperor's New Groove and as Baloo in the upcoming Jungle Book II video.
  • John Ratzenberger has starred in all four Pixar films to date: as Hamm in Toy Story and Toy Story 2, as PT Flea in A Bug's Life and as the Yeti in Monsters, Inc.
  • Randy Newman has also been involved with all four Pixar films, providing the score and songs. His Pixar work has netted him four Oscar nominations.
  • Bonnie Hunt also returns to Pixar, as Flint in this film. She was the voice of Rosie the Black Widow in A Bug's Life.
  • Frank Oz, the voice of Fungus, is best known as the Muppeteer behind Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal, Sam Eagle, Grover, Bert, Yoda, and many others.
  • This is Mary Gibbs (voice of Boo) first film role, not surprising considering she's only three years old. She is the daughter of a Pixar artist.
  • Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl from Toy Story 2 has a cameo in Monsters, Inc.

Final Word:
"It's a musical!  Put that thing back where it came from, so help me!   So help me!  And cut!"
-- Mike Wazowski.

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-- Kirby C. Holt

Kirby is a lifelong Disney fan and film buff. A frequent contributer to the LaughingPlace.com Discussion Boards, he currently resides near one of the Happiest Places on Earth: Orlando, Florida.

Took Talk: Disney Film & Video Reviews by Kirby C. Holt is posted whenever there's something new to review.

The opinions expressed by our Kirby C. Holt, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the future plans of the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.

-- Posted November 5, 2001

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